
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE INFORMATION
WHAT IS A PLUG-IN HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle combines
a gasoline engine with an electric motor
and rechargeable high voltage battery
allowing you to use only electricity to
power your vehicle.
HOW DOES A PLUG-IN HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE WORK
Charging your vehicle adds electrical
energy that propels the vehicle. Regularly
plug in your vehicle to get optimal
electric-only range capability from the high
voltage battery. The system maximizes the
use of electric-only operation in normal
drive mode whenever possible. System
conditions could require the engine to
operate when necessary.
When the electric-only range reaches zero,
the powertrain system switches to hybrid
operation. This means that you have
depleted the energy you gained from
plugging in and charging your vehicle. Both
the gasoline engine and electric motor
power your vehicle and maximize fuel
economy during hybrid operation. You
receive some electric-only driving with
hybrid operation as the powertrain system
maintains the high voltage battery charge
within functional limits.
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE DRIVING
CHARACTERISTICS
The gasoline engine starts and stops to
provide power when required and to save
fuel when not needed. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
When coasting at low speeds, coming to
a stop or standing, the gas engine normally
shuts down and your vehicle operates in
electric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the gasoline
engine to start or remain running include:
• Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Driving uphill.
• The high voltage battery charge levelis low.
• Heating or cooling the vehicle interior in high or low outside temperatures.
• The gasoline engine is below normal operating temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
• Certain drive modes could cause the engine to run. See Drive Mode
Control (page 257).
Note: Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Your plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has
several EV drive modes to enhance your
driving experience. See Selecting a
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Drive
Mode (page 259).
Your hybrid vehicle also comes with
standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking
is performed by your transmission and
captures brake energy and stores it in the
high voltage battery.
181
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information (If Equipped)

WHAT IS THE HIGH VOLTAGE
BATTERY
The high voltage battery is a highly
sophisticated lithium ion battery system,
used to store electrified energy to power
the vehicle.
HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: This battery pack
should only be serviced by an authorized
electric vehicle technician. Improper
handling can result in personal injury or
death.
WARNING: Keep your hands and
clothing clear of the cooling fan.
WARNING: Apply the parking
brake, shift into park (P), switch the
ignition off and remove the key before
you open the hood or have any service
or repair work completed. If you do not
switch the ignition off, the engine could
restart at any time. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death.
WARNING: Do not touch the
electronic ignition system parts after you
have switched the ignition on or when
the engine is running. The system
operates at high voltage. Failure to
adhere to this warning could result in
serious personal injury or death.
Your vehicle consists of various
high-voltage components and wiring. All
of the high-voltage power flows through
specific wiring assemblies labeled as such
or covered with a solid orange convolute,
or orange striped tape, or both. Do not
come in contact with these components.
199
High Voltage Battery (If Equipped)

When towing a trailer:
• Obey country specific regulations fortowing a trailer.
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (P) to aid engine
and transmission cooling and to help
A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off when you are
towing on long, steep slopes.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not continuously
apply the brakes, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
• If your transmission has Grade Assist or Tow/Haul, use this feature when
towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive
transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
• Your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with roll stability control. When towing a trailer,
additional loads could cause the
AdvanceTrac system to engage during
cornering maneuvers. Reduce cornering
speeds to make sure that you can
maintain control of the vehicle and
trailer if the AdvanceTrac system
engages. • Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
gradually brake.
• Avoid parking on a slope. However, if you must park on a slope, turn the
steering wheel to point your vehicle
tires away from traffic flow, set the
parking brake, place the transmission
in park (P) and place wheel chocks in
front and back of the trailer wheels.
Note: Chocks are not included with your
vehicle.
LAUNCHING OR RETRIEVING
A BOAT OR PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding 6 in (15 cm) could allow water
to enter vehicle components, causing
internal damage to the components and
affecting driveability, emissions and
reliability.
Note: Replace the rear axle lubricant
anytime the rear axle has been submerged
in water.
Note: Disconnect the trailer wiring
connector before backing the trailer into the
water.
Note: Reconnect the trailer wiring
connector after removing the trailer from
the water.
300
Towing a Trailer

Protected Component
Fuse Rating
Fuse Location
Passenger power seat.
30 A
45
Not used (spare).
20 A
46
Heated seats.
20 A
47
Anti-lock brake control
valves.
40 A
48
Anti-lock brake control
pump.
60 A
49
Cooling fan.
60 A
50
Moonroof.
30 A
51
DC/DC converter (hybrid
electric vehicle).
5 A
52
Battery charge control
module (hybrid electric
vehicle).
10 A
53
Not used.
—
54
Not used.
—
55
Not used.
—
56
Data link connector.
10 A
57
Auxiliary power distribution
box (hybrid electric vehicle).
40 A
58
Body control module.
40 A
59
USB smart charger.
5 A
60
Rear cargo power point.
20 A
61
Not used.
—
62
Not used (spare).
30 A
63
Power liftgate.
30 A
64
Not used.
—
65
Not used.
—
66
Not used.
—
67
323
Fuses

Adding Coolant
WARNING: Keep your hands and
clothing clear of the cooling fan.
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap
with a thick cloth to prevent the
possibility of scalding and slowly remove
the cap. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not add engine
coolant when the engine is on or the
cooling system is hot. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury.
WARNING: Do not add coolant
further than the MAX mark.
WARNING: Do not put coolant in
the windshield washer reservoir. If
sprayed on the windshield, coolant could
make it difficult to see through the
windshield.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluid
to touch your skin or eyes. If this
happens, rinse the affected areas
immediately with plenty of water and
contact your physician.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or non-specified additives
as they can cause damage to the engine
cooling or heating systems. Resulting
component damage may not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. It is very important to use prediluted
coolant approved to the correct
specification in order to avoid plugging the
small passageways in the engine cooling
system. Do not mix different colors or types
of coolant in your vehicle. Mixing of engine
coolants or using an incorrect coolant may
harm the engine or cooling system
components and could void the vehicle
Warranty.
Note:
If prediluted coolant is not available,
use the approved concentrated coolant
diluting it to 50/50 with deionized or
distilled water. Using water that has not
been deionized may contribute to deposit
formation, corrosion and plugging of the
small cooling system passageways.
To top up the coolant level do the
following:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add enough prediluted coolant to reach the correct level.
Note: We do not recommend the use of
recycled coolant.
3. Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Turn the cap clockwise until it contacts the
hard stop.
4. Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you drive
your vehicle. If necessary, repeat step
2.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) of
engine coolant per month, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Operating an engine with a low level of
coolant can result in engine overheating
and possible engine damage.
In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without engine coolant
in order to reach a vehicle service location.
Service your vehicle as soon as possible.
335
Maintenance

Water alone, without engine coolant, can
cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute, as they can cause engine
damage from overheating or freezing:
• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to
the coolant. These can be harmful and
compromise the corrosion protection of
the coolant.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates, you
may need to increase the coolant
concentration above 50%.
Note: A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point protection.
Coolant concentrations above 60%
decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the coolant and could
cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates, you
may need to decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.
Note: A coolant concentration of 40%
provides improved overheat protection.
Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the overheat and corrosion
protection characteristics of the coolant and
could cause engine damage.
Coolant Change
WARNING: Do not dispose of
coolant in the household refuse or the
public sewage system. Use an authorized
waste disposal facility. Change the coolant at specific mileage
intervals. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance information. See Normal
Scheduled Maintenance (page 485).
Note:
Dispose of used coolant in the
appropriate manner.
Follow your community's regulations and
standards for recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,
the coolant temperature gauge
moves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and
a message may appear in the
information display.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
336
Maintenance

When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for
use during emergencies only. Operate
your vehicle in fail-safe mode only as
long as necessary to bring your vehicle
to rest in a safe location and seek
immediate repairs. When in fail-safe
mode, your vehicle will have limited
power, will not be able to maintain
high-speed operation, and may
completely shut down without warning,
potentially losing engine power, power
steering assist, and power brake assist,
which may increase the possibility of a
crash resulting in serious injury.
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap
with a thick cloth to prevent the
possibility of scalding and slowly remove
the cap. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury.
Your vehicle has limited engine power
when in the fail-safe mode, drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine could operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait for a short period of time for the engine to cool. 4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant
level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Management (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
crash and injury, be prepared that the
vehicle speed may reduce and the
vehicle may not be able to accelerate
with full power until the coolant
temperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message may appear in the
information display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power in
order to manage the engine coolant
temperature. Your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
vehicle loading, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no
need to stop your vehicle. You can
continue to drive.
337
Maintenance

Capacities
Including the Oil Filter
Variant
5.7 qt (5.4 L)
All.
Materials
Specification
Name
WSS-M2C962-A1
Motorcraft® SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor
Oil(U.S.)
(Canada)
XO-0W20-QFS(U.S.)
COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITY
AND SPECIFICATION - 1.5L
ECOBOOST™
Use coolant that meets the defined
specification. If you do not use coolant that meets the
defined specification, it could result in:
• Component damage that your vehicle
warranty does not cover.
• Reduced vehicle performance.
Capacities
Quantity
Variant
7.6 qt (7.2 L)
All.
Materials
Specification
Name
WSS-M97B57-A2
Motorcraft® Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/
Coolant(U.S.)
Motorcraft® Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant
/ Antigel/liquide de refroidissement prédilué jaune
Motorcraft®(Canada)
VC-13DL-G(U.S.)
CVC-13DL-G(Canada)
396
Capacities and Specifications